UNDERSTANDING PANCREAS CANCER
When pancreatic cells multiply out of control, it is called pancreatic cancer.
In most cases, pancreatic cancer is not detected until it has advanced stages. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by jaundice and weight loss. A person with diabetes and an individual who has been exposed to certain chemicals are at risk.
SYMPTOMS OF PANCREAS CANCER
- Weight loss
- Itchy skin
- Dark-colored pee
- An inability to eat
- Symptoms of blood clots
- Diabetic complications
- Symptoms of nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Skin and eye yellowing (jaundice)
RISK FACTORS?
- Obesity
- Alcohol & Smoking
- Being diabetic, especially type 2 diabetes
- The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
- Older age factor (age>45)
- Gene-related hereditary syndromes
HOW TO DIAGNOSE?
Detecting pancreatic cancer early is difficult. The pancreas cannot be felt during a routine examination. A doctor may recommend an imaging test if he believes you have pancreatic cancer. It is also possible to perform an endoscopic ultrasound.
An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) involves passing a thin tube through the mouth and into the stomach with a camera attached. Through the stomach wall, the endoscope can image the pancreas with its ultrasound probe.
It is possible to detect a tumor marker in blood tests. Pancreatic cancer cells release carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, which may indicate a tumor when present at high levels.
VARIOUS TREATMENTS
Several factors will determine the treatment options for pancreatic cancer:
- Pancreatic cancer type
- At what stage is it?
- Health, age, and other factors
- Pancreatic head tumor surgery (Whipple procedure)
- Surgical treatment of pancreatic body and tail tumors (Distal pancreatectomy)
- Pancreatic removal surgery (Total pancreatectomy)
- Blood vessel-affecting tumor surgery (Embolization)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Clinical Trails
